I've heard some people do some amazing things with Parelli-style horsemanship... but then again if you learn a little bit off of every trainer, and then apply what you learn to your day to day life, you'll find your own method, which will ultimately make you the best horse person you can be. Keep an open mind, check his stuff out. Admire what you like, be open about things you may not agree with, and then apply it to your own work.

You will be a much better horse person with an open mind to all styles of horsemanship.

I am NOT a Parelli fan because of what the name has become. These people are marketing geniuses and have turned very traditional common practices into games that they have named and packaged in an amazing way. They focus on beginner level horse owners and they make a killing in sales doing this.

That being said. I have actually watched some of their videos and come away with some good stuff. I would never pay for the videos or buy the products because I feel they are very over priced.

My suggestion is that if you are interested then yes, watch the videos and put the games into practice, but and this is a BIG but... Understand that this should never be considered the gospel nor should it be considered the only and correct version of ANY training method. In other words, DO NOT DRINK THE KOOL AIDE! Take what you can from it but do not become a zombie. If that makes sense to you....

From your other threads I understand that you're a novice? I would err on the side of caution with Parelli, or any of the other big-name trainers with the dvd package. It won't substitute for a real hands on trainer.

My problem with Parelli is how he markets himself to beginners. He makes it seem like to get that beautiful relationship you see in the movies like Black Beauty and Flicka, you need only follow his program. I've seen far too many beginnners who initially bought horses because it was their childhood dream, and bought into the Parelli program because they didn't want to lay down the law. It never ends well. Not saying this is you OP, but don't let the marketing delude you.

By all means by the DvDs if you like Parelli's method and you find him easy to understand, but take it with a grain of salt, and get a trainer.

It's worth investigating their "method" if you can do it without spending a fortune. Everyone has something to teach, and you'll probably come away from the experience with a little more knowledge about horses than you had before, just like reading or listening to any other trainer, brand name or otherwise. Parelli's Western Horseman book (Natural Horse-Man-Ship) is older, but interesting reading without the circus-hype that goes with a lot of the brand materials today. Parelli is by no means my favorite source of equestrian information, but if I see an article of his in a magazine at the library I'll give it a read, that kind of thing.

If you're looking to "find your horsemanship mentor" or something, put the thousands of dollars that you'll spend on Parelli's (or any other brand name trainer) complete method to more use by spending it on real one-on-one lessons with a respected trainer/instructor in your area. I can almost guarantee that you'll get more bang for your buck in the long run.

A stubborn horse walks behind you, an impatient one in front of you, but a noble companion walks beside you ~ Unknown

If you understand the method then go for it. Parelli himself says it's not for everyone because not everyone can comprehend how a horse's mind works, nor do some have a big enough scope of imagination which plays a key role in NH.
I've studied Parelli and really enjoy it and like the way they do things.
As others have suggested hiring an actual trainer, that's always a good idea but in the long run it will cost more. First off, you'd have to find a trainer that does the things you're intersested in and that's not always easy. Second, though you would get one on one experience, it only lasts for as many lessons you have. The good thing about a DVD or book is that you can always go back and look/read if you get stuck. You dont have to keep forking out money to get someone else's knowledge.

If you have the money, perhaps do both. The Parelli Level 1/2 DVD's are very helpful as he breaks it down, step by step as well as working with a horse who's new to the program so you can see how he fixes certain problems as they arise.
They can be pricey, but they're no more expensive and in some cases cheaper than any of the other NH trainers. And though many people don't like him for HIM, i can't see how they can bash his methods and results. They work, so long (as said before) as you understand how and when to use them.

I've been working with my mare's using the NH method for 8 months now (i studied it a bit before in the past but never buckled down to trying it until recently) and believe me, it works. They are so much more respectful, responsive and interested in their work now.
Sure the Parelli's have marketed basic knowledge but who cares so long as it works and helps you and your horse? Just ignore the mustache and you'll be fine lol

"If a horse fails to do something that is because he was not trained to do it. If a horse fails to do something properly that is because he was not trained properly."www.wildestheartart.com

Parelli himself says it's not for everyone because not everyone can comprehend how a horse's mind works, nor do some have a big enough scope of imagination which plays a key role in NH.

Wow, talk about being insulting.

"If you do not like my line of crap you are just too dumb."

<insert puking smiley here>

I tend to look at it the opposite way. If you are unable to think for yourself then yes, buy into the Kool Aid. Otherwise open your mind and learn from every horseman out there. The more tricks you have in your bag the better you are able to deal with different horses.

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